CycleTalk: Data Driven Design of Support for Simulation Based Learning
In IJAIED
16 (2): "Special Issue "Best of ITS 2004" "
Publication information
Abstract
In this article, we discuss the motivation for a novel style of tutorial dialogue system that
emphasizes reflection in a simulation based exploratory learning environment called CyclePad, which was
developed in order to offer students practice at design and optimization of thermodynamic cycles. We
argue that while typical forms of exploration support offered in simulation based learning environments are
meant to encourage the development of good exploration process skills, the instantiation of these typical
forms of support in CyclePad are not sufficient, primarily because students don't choose to use them. We
present a preliminary cognitive task analysis of design exploration tasks using CyclePad. Using this
cognitive task analysis, we analyze data collected in two waves of formal data collection. Finally, we
conclude with some system desiderata derived from our analysis as well as discussion of directions for
continued experimental investigations related to tutor style.
